This species is similar to Ephedra intermedia Schrenk & C.A. Meyer in having bi- or tri-ovulate cones, and to E. Saxatilis Royle ex Florin in having strong and well-developed woody stems and branchlets (Yang et al. 2003).

Justification:
This recently described species occurs across a large range in remote areas of Tibet. Population size and status is unknown, but its occurrence in remote and inaccessible areas indicates it is not under threat of human disturbance at present. Few recent collections have been made, but this may be a result of low survey effort in these regions. Ex situ collections are recommended.

A shrub with strong, well-developed woody stems. Found growing in slightly divergent habitats including dry sandy river beaches, in crevices of rocks, sand dunes, or dried gravel river beaches. Possibly prefers moist conditions since most specimens were collected near a river or lake (Yang et al. 2003).

Most specimens occurrences are from outside protected areas, but a single specimen collection is thought to have been made in the Quomolangma Nature Preserve. No collections are known to have been made for ex situ conservation.